The forward did not make the trip to China for last week’s World Cup qualifier and he then found himself warming the pine in Saturday’s Old Firm clash with Rangers.

The Gers won 1-0 leaving Celtic’s title hopes in tatters and facing a very rare trophyless campaign.

McDonald has been a big hit for the Hoops this year but has latterly struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

He has scored just once in the last seven matches with two goals in 10. Such a sparse return cost McDonald his spot for the Rangers clash, even though it proved a blank afternoon for the visitors at Ibrox.

Strachan told Glasgow's Herald newspaper: “Georgios Samaras has been playing very well. I’ve got three good strikers and he’s justified his selection.

“If you look at the last five games I think Jan (Vennegoor of Hesselink) and Georgios have scored more than Scott.

“He handled the decision very, very well, like a man."

He added: “It’s going to be very difficult (to retain the championship) but we’ve got two games at home and if we play like we did in the first half, and lots of games this season, we’ve got a chance.”

Strachan had earlier revealed that McDonald would have been fine to play for Australia last week...if the game had been in Scotland. He admitted the striker's 'injury' claim was based on fears a long plane journey could exacerbate the problem.